"(It's an) exciting time to be in Stockton," councilmember Michael Tubbs said. "We have hit rock bottom, and I know all (the) council will do all we can do to move Stockton forward."

Tubbs is one of the youngest council members Stockton has seen.

He campaigned for office while attending Stanford University.

Tubbs said life experiences have helped him grow strong for the position.

"I am a poor boy from (the) south side of Stockton -- had a single mother and a father incarcerated all my life, but (was) able to go to Stanford," Tubbs said. "And (I was) blessed to come home to a community that raised me to help re-invent Stockton."

Also Tuesday night, new Mayor Anthony Silva was sworn in by Willie Brown.

Silva said his son will stand with him for his swearing-in.

"This is a dream come true," Silva said. "It may sound silly, but when I was in sixth grade, I told my principal that I wanted to grow up and be mayor of Stockton."